Emoni Bates' legend is growing.
Bates, a high school basketball phenom who is entering his sophomore year at Ypsilanti Lincoln, was unveiled as Sports Illustrated's latest cover subject on Tuesday.
The story, written by former Free Press columnist Michael Rosenberg, chronicles a day in the life of Bates, the 6-foot-9 megaprospect who already is drawing comparisons to Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
The Free Press conducted a Q&A with Rosenberg on Tuesday for more insight on the story — which can be read in full here — including why Bates was chosen to be on the cover, the comparisons to NBA greats and why he thinks Bates will reclassify and attend Michigan State.